Frontal Lobe Correlates in Hostile Men: Analysis of Facial Motor Tone and Cardiovascular Regulation

This experimented proposed to test the relationships between self-reported hostility and both facial muscle tone and cardiovascular functioning. Based on previous research, it was proposed that individuals high in self-reported hostility would show increased cardiovascular reactivity in response to a physical stressor (the cold-pressor task). Additionally, based on the integration of multiple lines of research, it was proposed that individuals with high levels of self-reported hostility would show asymmetric facial tone, with greater muscle activation at the left-hemiface. Results showed increased cardiovascular responding in the high-hostile participants following exposure to the cold-pressor task. Additionally, the individuals with high levels of self-reported hostility did show asymmetric facial tone, with increased left-hemifacial EMG values. These differences were present prior to exposure to the cold-pressor task, and were increased following the stressor. Results supported the literature showing increased cardiovascular responding to stress in high-hostile individuals, and also supported the proposed relationship between right orbitofrontal functioning and hostility.